See the need: People are going hungry. It's a sad fact. But we can do something about it.

There are hungry people in Wayne County. And often, we don't see them.

The reason they are in the situation they are in could be as simple as a run of bad luck -- a lost job or an unexpected expense -- or as complicated as a serious health problem.

But the bottom line is, there are families in this community who really have to balance their budgets to make sure they have enough food to get them through the month -- and sometimes they do not make it.

And families are not the only ones suffering. Senior citizens, facing high medical and medication bills, can also become victims of hunger as they choose between eating and the prescription drugs they need to survive.

And that should not happen. Not today or any day.

There are multiple places in Wayne County that are trying to do something about helping those whose budgets simply will not allow them to meet their food needs. They offer temporary help in the form of groceries or, as in the case of the Community Soup Kitchen, a spot where people can go for a hot meal, guaranteed and no questions asked.

Some of them, like the Salvation Army, are even offering training classes to help those who are struggling get the life skills they need to get back on their feet.

And those of us who are the lucky ones, who do not have to wonder where we are going to find our next meal, should help all we can, especially this time of year.

Donating a meal for a needy family does not have to cost a lot. A few cans of food -- not expired cans from your pantry, but new items from your cupboard or the neighborhood grocery store -- could make a difference for a family struggling to make ends meet.

And these are exactly the people we should be looking to help.

The welfare system and the misuse of food stamps have made many people think twice about helping others. They see abuse and they think they should not reward those who are too irresponsible to manage even their government benefits properly.

But there are many, many people who are working, who are not making much and who are trying to get back on their feet. With a little support, they could manage the bills and still put food on their tables. They want to be self-sufficient, but they can't be because of circumstances beyond their control.

And we should be there for them. Then, later, when their circumstances improve, they, too, can help a family with a hand up and not a hand out.

This holiday season, consider a food drive at your school, church or even in your neighborhood.

This is the time of year when large donations can help pantries and other charities stock their larders and help families for more than a month.

It is a gift of compassion, but it is also a way to truly be thankful for the blessings we often take for granted.

Published in Editorials on November 26, 2014 12:11 PM